Multi-functional hand-held device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a multi-functional hand-held device capable of configuring user inputs based on how the device is to be used. Preferably, the multi-functional hand-held device has at most only a few physical buttons, keys, or switches so that its display size can be substantially increased. The multi-functional hand-held device also incorporates a variety of input mechanisms, including touch sensitive screens, touch sensitive housings, display actuators, audio input, etc. The device also incorporates a user-configurable GUI for each of the multiple functions of the devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/933,196, filed Mar. 22, 2018 and published on Aug. 2, 2018 as U.S.Publication No. 2018-0217709, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/367,749, filed Mar. 3, 2006 and published onSep. 7, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. 2006-0197753, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/658,777, filed Mar. 4,2005 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/663,345, filed Mar. 16,2005, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety for all purposes.

This application is related to the following applications, which are allherein incorporated by reference: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/188,182, titled “Touch Pad for Handheld Device,” filed on Jul. 1,2002; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/722,948, titled “Touch Padfor Handheld Device,” filed on Nov. 25, 2003; (3) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/643,256, titled “Movable Touch Pad with AddedFunctionality,” filed on Aug. 18, 2003; (4) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/654,108, titled “Ambidextrous Mouse,” filed on Sep. 2, 2003; (5)U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, titled “Multipoint TouchScreen,” filed on May 6, 2004; (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/903,964, titled “Gestures for Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filedon Jul. 30, 2004; (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/038,590,titled “Mode-Based Graphical User Interfaces for Touch Sensitive InputDevices,” filed on Jan. 18, 2005; and (8) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/057,050, titled “Display Actuator,” filed on Feb. 11, 2005, (9)U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/115,539, titled “Hand-HeldElectronic Device with Multiple Touch Sensing Devices,” filed Apr. 26,2005.

BACKGROUND

There exist today many types of hand-held electronic devices, each ofwhich utilizes some sort of user interface. The user interface typicallyincludes an output device in the form of a display, such as a LiquidCrystal Display (LCD), and one or more input devices, which can bemechanically actuated (e.g., switches, buttons, keys, dials, joysticks,joy pads) or electrically activated (e.g., touch pads or touch screens).The display is typically configured to present visual information suchas text and graphics, and the input devices are typically configuredperform operations such as issuing commands, making selections or movinga cursor or selector in the electronic device. Each of these well knowndevices has considerations such as size and shape limitations, costs,functionality, complexity, etc. that must be taken into account whendesigning the hand-held electronic device. In most cases, the userinterface is positioned on the front face (or front surface) of thehand-held device for easy viewing of the display and easy manipulationof the input devices

FIGS. 1A-1F are diagrams of various hand-held electronic devicesincluding for example a telephone 10A (FIG. 1A), a PDA 10B (FIG. 1B), amedia player 10C (FIG. 1C), a remote control 10D (FIG. 1D), a camera 10E(FIG. 1E), and a GPS module 1OF (FIG. 1F). In each of these devices 10,a display 12, which is secured inside the housing of the device 10 andwhich can be seen through an opening in the housing, is typicallypositioned in a first region of the electronic device 10. Each of thesedevices also include one or more input devices 14, which are typicallypositioned in a second region of the electronic device 10 next to thedisplay 12.

To elaborate, the telephone 10A typically includes a display 12 such asa character or graphical display, and input devices 14 such as a numberpad and in some cases a navigation pad. The PDA 10B typically includes adisplay 12 such as a graphical display, and input devices 14 such as astylus based resistive touch screen and buttons. The media player 10Ctypically includes a display 12 such as a character or graphic displayand input devices 14 such as buttons or wheels. The iPod® media playermanufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. is one exampleof a media player that includes both a display and input devicesdisposed next to the display. The remote control 10D typically includesan input device 14 such as a keypad and may or may not have a characterdisplay 12. The camera 10E typically includes a display 12 such as agraphic display and input devices 14 such as buttons. The GPS module 1OFtypically includes a display 12 such as graphic display and inputdevices 14 such as buttons, and in some cases a joy pad.

Recently, traditionally separate hand-held electronic devices have begunto be combined in limited ways. For example, the telephone 10A has beencombined with the PDA 10B. One problem that has been encountered is inthe way inputs are made into the device. Each of these devices has aparticular set of input mechanisms for providing inputs into the device.Some of these input mechanisms are generic to all the devices (e.g.,power button) while others are not. The ones that are not generic aretypically dedicated to a particular functionality of the device. By wayof example, PDAs typically include four dedicated buttons while cellphones typically include a numeric keypad and at least two dedicatedbuttons.

Thus it is a challenge to design a merged device with limited inputdevices without adversely affecting the dedicated inputs for eachdevice. As will be appreciated, it is preferable, not to overload thehand-held devices with a large number of input mechanisms as this tendsto confuse the user and take up valuable space, i.e., “real estate.” Inthe case of hand-held devices, space is at a premium because of theirsmall size. At some point there is not enough space on the device tohouse all the necessary buttons and switches, etc. This is especiallytrue when considering that all these devices need a display thattypically takes up a large amount of space on its own. To increase thenumber of input devices beyond some level, designers would have todecrease the size of the display. However, this will often leave anegative impression on the user because the user typically desires thelargest display possible. Alternatively, to accommodate more inputdevices designers may opt to increase the size of the device. This, too,will often leave a negative impression on a user because it would makeone-handed operations difficult, and at some point, the size of thedevice becomes so large that it is no longer considered a hand-helddevice.

Therefore what is needed in the art is an improved user interface thatworks for multi-functional hand-held devices.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a multi-functional hand-held device capable ofconfiguring user inputs based on how the device is to be used.Preferable, the multi-functional hand-held device has at most only a fewphysical buttons, keys, or switches so that its display size can besubstantially increased. In other words, by eliminating physicalbuttons, keys, or switches from a front surface of an electronic device,additional surface area becomes available for a larger display.Ultimately this strategy would allow a substantially full screendisplay. As used herein, a full screen display is a display thatconsumes, or at least dominates, a surface (e.g., front surface) of anelectronic device.

Various embodiments of a multi-functional hand-held device are discussedbelow with reference to FIGS. 2-28. However, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respectto these figures is exemplary and not exhaustive and that manyvariations on these embodiments are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIGS. 1A-1F are diagrams of various electronic devices.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a multi-functional hand-held device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a substantially full screen hand-helddevice with a limited number of limited buttons.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a hand-held device with at least one button.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a GUI separated into a standard region and acontrol region.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a GUI separated into a standard region and acontrol region.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a GUI separated into a standard region and acontrol region.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a GUI separated into a standard region and acontrol region.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary a GUI for a PDA.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a cell phone.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a media player.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a video player.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a game player.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a camera.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a GPS.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a remote control.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a hand top.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary GUI for a main menu of amulti-functional hand held device.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a hand-helddevice incorporating a force sensitive display.

FIG. 20 illustrates an input device that combines touch sensing andforce sensing devices to provide x, y and z components when touched.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of an I/O device that combines adisplay with touch screen and a force sensing mechanism.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of an input device.

FIG. 23 is a side view, in cross section, of a hand-held device thatincorporates a squeeze feature.

FIG. 24 is a side view, in cross section, of a hand-held electronicdevice.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a touch sensing method.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of touch sensing method.

FIGS. 27A-E are tables representing one example of a touch vocabularyassociated with a music player.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of an exemplary multi-functional hand-helddevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Multi-Functionality

Electronic device manufacturers have discovered the advantages ofcombining separate hand-held electronic devices to form multi-functiondevices. By having a single multi-function device, a user is notburdened with carrying, purchasing, and maintaining multiple devices.Further, the user is not limited in the operations that can beperformed, i.e., the user can perform different operations with a singledevice that would have otherwise required the use of a differentdevices.

As used herein, the term “multi-functional” is used to define a devicethat has the capabilities of two or more traditional devices in a singledevice. The multi-functional device may, for example, include two ormore of the following device functionalities: PDA, cell phone, musicplayer, video player, game player, digital camera, handtop, Internetterminal, GPS or remote control. For each new device functionality thatis added to a single device, the complexity and size of the device tendsto increase. Therefore, with hand-held devices, there is typically atrade-off between beeping the footprint small and complexity low whilestill maximizing the functionality of the device.

In some cases, combing devices may result in redundant hardwarecomponents, which allows components to be used for multiple different,device functionalities. In other cases, certain hardware components aredistinct to each device and therefore additional space and connectivitymust be made available. Furthermore, each device functionality typicallyhas its own programming or application software and, therefore, themultifunction device must be designed with enough memory to accommodateall the various software components.

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a mobile hand-held device thatprovides computing and information storage and retrieval capabilitiesfor personal and/or business use. PDAs are severally capable of trackingnames, addresses, phone numbers and appointments. They are also oftencapable of taking notes, performing calculations, paging, datamessaging, and electronic mail. PDAs may also include functionality forplaying simple games, music, and other media files. Examples of PDAsinclude the Palm Pilot and Blackberry.

Like most hand-held devices, PDAs typically include a display andvarious input devices. The input devices may include a stylus and touchscreen that work in combination with a handwriting recognition program,keypads, mini-keyboards, navigation pads, and/or soft or fixed functionbuttons.

Cell phones are mobile telephones that allow a user to connect to othertelephones using a cellular network. Cell phones typically include atransceiver for transmitting and receiving telephone calls, controlssuch as a navigation pad for traversing through a display, a keypad formaking numeric entries (and in some cases alphabetic entries), and softor fixed function buttons. For example, in many cell phones one fixedfunction button is used for starting a call and another fixed functionbutton is used for ending a call.

Media players come in a variety of forms. Music players are generallyconfigured to store, process and output music. Music players can bebased on the MP3 or AAC format, which is a compression system for music.Music Players typically include a microprocessor, memory, display, audiojack, data port and playback controls. The playback controls typicallyinclude features such as menu, play/pause, next, previous, volume up,and volume down. Video players are similar to music players in mostrespects. In some cases, they may include a data storage device forreceiving a removable storage medium such as a DVD. The iPod® mediaplayer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. is oneexample of a media player.

Handtops are general purpose computers similar to laptops, but in asmaller form factor. Handtops typically include a display and a fullkeyboard.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a multi-functional hand-held device100. The multi-functional hand-held device 100 integrates at least twodevices 102 into a single device. Each device 102 includes both hardwareand software components 104 and 106, which are integrated intomulti-functional hand-held device 100. It should be pointed out that themulti-functional hand-held device 100 is not limited to only twodevices, and may in fact integrate any number of devices.

Multi-functional device 100 also includes switch 110, which that allowsmulti-functional device 100 to be switched from one device operatingmode to another device operating mode. For example, switch 110 may allowa user to cycle through cell phone, media player, and PDA modes ofoperation. Once a particular operating mode is selected, themulti-functional device 100 operates as the selected device. Forexample, the programming related to the selected device is activated foruse by the multi-functional hand-held device. The programming mayinclude reconfiguring the UI based on the selected device so that theinputs made by the user correlate to the device in use. For example, thefunctions of any physical buttons, switches or dials as well as softbuttons, switches or dials can be reconfigured to correspond to theselected device.

However, the operating modes of multi-functional hand-held device 100need not completely independent. In many cases, it will be desirable toallow the multiple functionalities to interact with each other. ForExample, a user may look up a telephone number of a contact in the PDAand pass this number to the phone to be dialed.

II. Form Factor

The form factor of a hand-held device is generally a device that caneasily be held in one hand. A typical hand-held device includes a smalldisplay in an upper portion of the front surface of the device and inputcontrols in a lower portion of the front surface of the device. Thedevice may additionally include controls and ports on the top, bottom,and side surfaces. Prior art hand-held devices have typically had smalldisplays which causes some dissatisfaction for users of these devices.It is generally preferred to have larger displays so that moreinformation can be displayed or the information being displayed can bemore easily viewable (e.g., larger text). In the case of video playersand game players in particular, larger displays are much preferred oversmaller ones.

However, the use of large displays has been limited in the past becausethe required input controls often take up substantial portions of theavailable space. Furthermore, as device functionality converges, thenumber of controls on the device typically increases as each deviceincludes its own dedicated controls. Therefore devices must be madelarger or the displays must be smaller to accommodate all the newcontrols. Both of these outcomes are unsatisfactory. Larger devices arebulky and hard to use, and smaller screens are difficult to utilize forboth relaying information and reading information from the screen.

A. One-Handed vs. Two-Handed Operation

A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation ortwo-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used toboth support the device as well as to perform operations with the userinterface during use. Cellular phones and media players are examples ofhand-held devices are generally intended to can be operated solely withone hand. In the case of a cell phone, for example, a user may grasp thephone in one hand between the fingers and the palm and use the thumb tomake entries using keys, buttons or a # joy pad.

In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device whilethe other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or,alternatively, both hands support the device as well as performoperations during use. PDA's and game players are examples of hand-helddevice that are typically operated with two hands. In the case of a PDA,for example, the user may grasp the device with one hand and makeentries using the other hand, for example, using a stylus. In the caseof a game player, the user typically grasps the device in both hands andmake entries using either or both hands while holding the device.

B. Footprint/Size

Hand-held devices may have a variety different footprints or sizes. Thefootprint is typically associated with how the device is going to beused. Devices such as PDAs are typically used with both hands and thusthey tend to be larger. Alternatively, cell phone handsets are typicallyused with only one hand, and thus they tend to be smaller. Whenintegrating multiple devices, it is important task to determine theappropriate footprint of the device. For example, some believe that PDAsare too large for phone use while cell phones are too small for PDA use.Designers generally must consider the primary use of the device and gearthe footprint towards that use. Although there are different footprints,there are typically minimum and maximum footprints. If the footprint istoo large or too small, the device may be difficult to use.

Because of their size, the smaller devices are typically placed in apocket while the larger devices are not. A media player is one exampleof a hand-held device that is sized for placement into a pocket of theuser. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carrythe device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere theuser travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulkyand often heavy device, as in a laptop or notebook computer).

Generally it is preferred, although not necessary, that hand-helddevices of the type disclosed herein have dimensions of about 5 in×3in×1 in and perhaps about 4.1 in×2.4 in×0.75 in.

C. Full Screen Display

Because the footprint of a multifunctional hand-held device issubstantially fixed by the intended primary use of the device, itbecomes important for designers to determine an appropriate layout forthe UI. For example, some devices may work better with a limited numberof buttons and a large display while others may work better with a largenumber of buttons or a complete keyboard and a small display.

A preferred multi-functional hand-held device may be configured with afull screen display or a near full screen display. A full screen displayconsumes substantially the entire front surface of the device. Thedisplay may extend edge to edge or may fit within a small bezel of thehousing at the edge of the device. The full screen display may consumes90% or more of a front surface of a housing for a hand-held electronicdevice.

The full screen display may have a variety of different configurationsdepending on the overall footprint of the device. If the device is wide,the full screen display may have a traditional aspect ratio of about4:3. If the device is elongated, the full screen display may have anaspect ratio that is more panoramic such as 16:9.

D. Limited Number of Mechanical Actuators

To accommodate a full screen display, the multi-functional hand-helddevice is preferably configured with a limited number of physicalbuttons. Because a limited number of physical buttons are provided, thehand-held device preferably uses a touch screen as the primary inputdevice. Touch screens are transparent touch sensing devices that arepositioned over displays. They typically work in conjunction with a GUIpresented on the display. For example, the GUI may present an on-screenbutton, and the touch screen may detect when a user presses theon-screen button (e.g., places their finger or stylus over the on-screenbutton). Touch screens and GUI's are described in greater detail below.

The hand-held device may be constructed with only cross-functionalphysical buttons, i.e., there are no buttons dedicated to individualdevices. These type of buttons may include power buttons and holdswitches. In another embodiment, the hand-held device may not includeany physical buttons at all. In some embodiments, the physical buttonsare limited to only the sides and back surface of the hand-held device.In other embodiments, the physical buttons of the hand-held device arelimited to the upper and lower portion of the sides so that there are nobuttons in the regions of the sides where a user would physicallysupport the device (i.e., holding region). In still other embodiments,the physical buttons may be located on the front surface, but only inthe bezel region surrounding the display. In some embodiments, thebuttons may be located on only the top and bottom surfaces of thedevice.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a substantially full screenmulti-functional hand-held device 120 with a limited number of buttons.There are no physical buttons on the front and side surfaces 124 and126. The front surface is used entirely for the display 122. Further,because the sides 126 are used for grasping the device 120 it may bepreferred to leave the sides free from buttons to prevent accidentalactions in the event a user inadvertently presses a button whilesupporting the device. Although the top surface 128 and bottom surface13 O would not typically be used to hold the device, these surfaces arenot ideal locations for buttons that are often actuated because it wouldbe awkward to reach these buttons when operating the device with onehand.

The top surface 128 may be reserved for buttons that have limited actionand generic functions that are cross-functional, for example, power andhold switches. The top and bottom surfaces 128 and 130 are also wellsuited for placement of I/O and communication ports. The top surface 128may, for example, include a headset/microphone jack and an antenna, andthe bottom surface 130 may include power and data ports.

In some cases, it may be desirable to place buttons in the upper orlower regions of the side surfaces 126 out of the way of the graspinghand. This may be particularly well suited for elongated devices thatare larger than the width of the grasping hand. As shown in FIG. 4, thehand-held device 120 includes a button 140 in the upper region on theside surface 126 of the hand-held device 120. Because the button 140 isin the upper region, it tends to be out of the way of the grasping handand therefore accidental activation is substantially eliminated. Theupper button may be configured to switch the functionality of themulti-functional device i.e., button 140 may be switch 110 of FIG. 2.For example, by pressing the button 140, a new device functionality isactivated, and the current device functionality is deactivated. Althoughthe term button is used, it should be appreciated that the button 140may correspond to a dial, wheel, switch and/or the like.

Generally it would be preferred, although not required, to limit thenumber of physical buttons to eight or fewer, and perhaps five or fewer.

III. Adaptability

To limit the number of physical controls on the device (therebymaximizing the display area), the multi-functional hand-held device ispreferable adaptable, i.e., the device is capable of changing its UIbased on how the device is to be used. For example, if a cell phonefunctionality of the multi-functional device is to be used, the UIchanges to accommodate the cell phone. Alternatively, if the PDA aspectof the multi-functional device is to be used, the UI changes toaccommodate the PDA, etc. In essence, the multi-functional device iscapable of reconfiguring its user interface based on the state or modeof the device.

Adaptability may be accomplished by reassigning the functions of thelimited number of physical buttons for each device functionality. Forexample, a button may perform one function when a first device isactivated and another when another device is activated. While this maywork, it suffers from physical limitations (i.e., the number of buttons)and can be confusing to the user (who must keep track of differentbutton meanings).

Alternatively adaptability may be accomplished by virtuallyincorporating the physical inputs for each functionality into the GUI inconjunction with a touch screen. This allows the GUI to adapt towhatever device is selected, and the touch screen can receive inputscorresponding to the GUI. With a GUI for each functionality, the UI forthe hand-held device adapts such that the multi-function device, ineffect, becomes a particular device. For example, if the cell phonefunctionality is selected, the GUI presents a set of virtual or softcontrols that look similar to the physical controls typically used on acell phone, such as a keypad, function buttons and possibly a navigationpad, for example.

The entire display may be used to present this information, or only aportion of the display may be used for the GUI controls. In the latercase, referring to FIGS. 5-8, the GUI 150 may be separated into astandard region 152 and a control region 154. The standard region 152represents what would normally be displayed on the display 122 whenusing a particular device. That is, the standard GUI screens associatedwith the selected device are displayed in the standard region. Forexample, in the case of the PDA, a main menu (window with a set oficons), calendar, address book or date book may be displayed in thestandard region 152. The control region 154, on the other hand,virtually represents the physical controls that would normally bephysically placed on a particular device. That is, the virtual controlsthat mimic the physical controls are displayed in the control region154. For example, in the case of the PDA, the control region 154 mayinclude virtual representations of a hand writing recognition area, anavigation pad and the standard function buttons.

The standard and control regions 152 and 154 can be positioned at anyposition on the display 122 (top, bottom, sides, center, etc.). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5, they may be positioned vertically relativeto one another (one on top of the other) or as shown in FIG. 6, they maybe positioned horizontally relative to one another (side by side). Theseconfigurations can be used in either portrait or landscape modes. By wayof example, in cases where the device is operated in landscape mode, thestandard region 152 may be placed on one side and the control region maybe placed on the opposite side. Landscape orientation may, for example,facilitate one handed operation. In some cases, the side on which thecontrols are displayed is based on the handedness of the user. Forexample, the controls may be place on the right side for right-handedusers, and the controls may be placed on the left side for left-handedusers. Alternatively, the controls may be placed on both sides as shownin FIG. 7. This arrangement is particularly well suited for gameplaying. Furthermore, the amount of area dedicated to each portion maybe widely varied. For example, the screen may be divided equally and inother cases one or the other portion constitutes a greater amount of thedisplay. In some cases, the standard region 154 is maximized to increasethe normal viewing area of the display.

When a particular functionality is selected for use, the hand-helddevice loads the software for the selected functionality and configuresthe GUI 150 including the standard region 152 and the control region154. The controls in the control region 154 can therefore be used tocontrol whatever is being shown in the standard region 152. In somecases, the control region 154 may even change in accordance with theneeds of each displayed window for the particular device.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, virtual controls 160 may be overlaidon top of the standard region 152 so that the standard region 152 canfully utilize the entire display 122. In fact, the virtual controls 160may appear and disappear as needed. For example, the user may touch thescreen and this may drive the device to display the controls over aportion of the display including whatever is already displayed. Examplesof virtual controls that operate in this manner can be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/038,590, titled “Mode-Based GraphicalUser Interfaces for Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed on Jan. 18,2005.

A. GUI Based on Functionality

FIGS. 9-17 illustrate various examples of GUIs for different states ormodes of the multi-functional device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a GUI 170 that is used in a PDA mode. As shown,the GUI is divided into a standard region 152 and a control region 154.Located inside the control region 154 are a virtual handwriting pad 172,four virtual buttons 174 and a virtual navigation pad 176.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a GUI 180 that is used in a cell phone mode. Asshown, the GUI 180 is divided into a standard region 152 and a controlregion 154. Located inside the control region 154 are a virtual keypad182, a virtual navigation pad 184 and two virtual buttons 186.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a GUI 190 that is used in a music player mode.As shown, the GUI 190 is divided into a standard region 152 and acontrol region 154. Located inside the control region 154 are a virtualscroll wheel 192 and five virtual buttons 194. Additional details on avirtual scroll wheel are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/038,590, titled “Mode-Based Graphical User Interfaces for TouchSensitive Input Devices,” filed on Jan. 18, 2005.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a GUI 200 that is used in a video player mode.As shown, the GUI 200 is divided into a standard region 152 and acontrol region 154. Located inside the control region 154 are aplurality of virtual buttons 202. Alternatively, the controls mayappears and disappears as needed since the video player is primarilyused in conjunction with a full screen viewing mode.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a GUI 210 that is used in a game player mode. Asshown, the GUI 210 is divided into a standard region 152 and two controlregions 154A and 154B on the sides of the standard region 152. The leftside control region 154A includes a navigation or directional pad 212,and the right side control region includes four virtual buttons 214 (orvice versa depending on the users particular needs, left or righthanded).

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a GUI 220 that is used in a camera mode. Asshown, the GUI 220 is divided into a standard region 152 and a controlregion 154. The standard region 152 may represent the view finder.Located inside the control region 154 are various buttons 222 includingfor example picture click, zoom, flash, etc. A navigation pad 224 mayalso be included so that the pictures can be scrolled through or formenu navigation.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a GUI 230 that is used in a GPS receiver mode.As shown, the GUI 230 is divided into a standard region 152 and acontrol region 154. Located inside the control region 154 are variousbuttons 222 including for example zoom, pan, etc. A navigation pad 224may also be included.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a GUI 240 that is used in a hand top mode. Asshown, the GUI 240 is divided into a standard region 152 and a controlregion 154. Located inside the control region 154 is a virtual keyboard242.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a GUI 250 that is used in a remote control mode.As shown, the GUI 250 is divided into a standard region 152 and acontrol region 154. Located inside the control region 154 are variouskeys and buttons 252 associated with controlling a remote device such asa TV, DVD player, A/V amplifier, VHS, CD player, etc.

B. Switching Between Devices (GUI)

Before a particular device functionality can be used, it typically mustbe selected for use. The selection can come in a variety of forms. Forexample, the selection may be made via a main menu that includes softbuttons or icons that, when selected, activate the device functionalityassociated with the soft button. During activation, the GUI for thatparticular device is brought into view on the display (see FIGS. 9-17)and the software associated with the device is installed, loaded oractivated. From that point on, the multi-functional device operates likethe selected device.

FIG. 18 illustrated an exemplary main menu GUI 260 of a multi-functionaldevice. As shown, the GUI 260 includes icons/buttons 262 for launchingeach of the various device functionalities. In this particular example,the main menu page 260 includes a PDA button 262A, a cell phone button262B, a music player button 262C, a game player button 262D, a videoplayer button 262E, a GPS button 262F, a remote control button 262G, acamera button 262H and a handtop button 262I. The various buttons 262are virtual buttons. When a button is pressed, the main page for theselected functionally (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9-17) is brought intoview on the display. To select another device, the user simply selects asoft home button 264 located in the GUI of each device to return to themain menu page 260, and thereafter selects the desired functionality inthe main menu page 260.

The selection of alternative functionalities may also be accomplished byflipping (or scrolling) through the various GUIs until the desired GUIis found. For example, the different GUIs may be incrementally broughtinto view page after page (or frame after frame) when a next (flip)command signal is generated (e.g., slide show effect). The transitionbetween pages may be widely varied. The transition may be from side toside, top to bottom or center to center. The transition may also includefading in and out, popping in and out, or enlarging and reducing. Thecommand signal may be generated by a physical or virtual button orwheel. Using a button, each press may cause a new page to be displayed.Using a wheel, a predetermined amount of rotation may cause a new pageto be displayed.

The command signal may also be generated in a variety of other ways. Forexample, the command signal may also be generated by gestures initiatedon the touch screen. For example, sliding a finger (or stylus) acrossthe display may cause a new page to be displayed. If slid to the right,the next page may be displayed. If slid to the left, the previous pagemay be displayed. The command signal may also be generated by 3D devicegestures created when the entire hand-held device is moved spatially. Byway of example, shaking the device may cause a new page to be displayed.

The command signal may also be generated by forces that are applied tothe device. By way of example, squeezing the device may cause a new pageto be displayed. The command signal may also be generated by sensing theorientation of the device either relative to the ground, as sensed byaccelerometers, or relative to a compass direction indicated by aninternal compass. For example, if the device is at 0 degrees, a firstpage is displayed, at 90 degrees a second page is displayed, at 180degrees a third page is displayed and at 270 degrees a fourth page isdisplayed.

The command signal may also be generated by monitoring a user's voice(i.e., voice recognition). If the user calls out “PHONE,” the pageassociated with the phone is displayed, if the user calls out “PDA,” thepage associated with the PDA is displayed.

The command signal may also be generated by monitoring incoming signalsfrom other systems (whether transmitted wireles sly or via a cable). Forexample, if a call is received, the device may automatically configurethe system as a phone. Alternatively, it may only present a controlpanel for taking or passing on the call.

As an alternative to integrating functionalities, the device may beconfigured to keep the various modes separate. That is, the device doesnot merge the functionality together (integrated layers and GUIs), butinstead keeps them distinct from one another. In some cases, by keepingdifferent functionalities distinct, user confusion may be reduced.

C. Operating at Least Two Functionalities Simultaneously

Preferably, the user may be able to activate two or more devicefunctionalities simultaneously. In such a case, the software for themultiple functionalities is activated simultaneously and the displayoperates in a split screen mode where the screen is parsed intodifferent sections, each section including a particular device GUI.Generally this would require the GUI for each functionality to fit onthe screen. The multi-function mode may be selected in a variety ofways. In one implementation, when the user simultaneously touches two ormore device icons, the device activates the multiple devicefunctionalities and brings the appropriate GUIs into view on the screen.

D. Configurable GUI (User Preferences)

The GUI control panels for each device functionality may be configurableby the user. For example, the user may design or customize his own UIfor each device, and assign functions to the various elements of the UI.The functions may include initiating commands, selecting an item,opening a file or document, launching a program, executing instructions,viewing a menu on the display screen, etc. The parameters configurableby the user may include selecting the number and type of GUI elements(buttons) as well as the location of the GUI elements on the page. Insome cases, the system may include a design palette that allows a userto review and/or customize the UI layout, i.e., the user may quickly andconveniently review preconfigured or default layout and make changesthereto. Once changed, the modified layout will be automatically savedand thereby employed to handle future events.

IV. Input Devices

There are a number of problems with current input devices for hand-heldcomputers. For example, there is no realistic way to fit all thededicated physical buttons that are needed for each device because moreand more buttons must be fit into a small space. A related problemarises in that as more physical buttons are incorporated into thedevice, the buttons must get closer together thereby challenging thedexterity of the user. Furthermore, because physical buttons stick outthey are often accidentally activated during normal use or while thedevice is transported e.g., in a user's pocket. Finally, large numbersof small physical buttons can be confusing to the user as well asaesthetically unpleasing.

To overcome these and other problems a variety of alternative inputsarrangements are proposed (in addition to or in place of physicalbuttons, switches, etc.). The basic idea is to reduce the number ofphysical and mechanical input mechanisms (and therefore the amount ofdedicated space needed on the surface of the device) and/or eliminatethe physical and mechanical input mechanisms altogether. By reducing oreliminating the physical input devices, the display of the electronicdevice can be maximized, or alternatively the size of the electronicdevice can be minimized. Furthermore, such a device is moreaesthetically pleasing. In some cases, the hand-held device can beconfigured so that it appears to only have a display and no dedicatedphysical input devices.

The alternative input means may also be hidden from view such that theyare not visible to the user. As a result, the hand-held electronicdevice may appear to only have a display with no visible buttons,switches, etc. Such a device is more aesthetically pleasing (e.g., maycomprise smooth surfaces with no breaks gaps or lines), and, in manycases, can be made smaller without sacrificing screen size and inputfunctionality.

A. Touch Screen

One particularly suitable input arrangement is a touch screen. A touchscreen in conjunction with GUI may be configured as the primary inputarrangement for a hand-held device. A touch screen is basically atransparent input panel positioned in front of the display. A touchscreen generates input signals when an object such as a finger or stylustouches or is moved across the surface of the touch screen. In mostcases, touch screens allow a user to make selections and initiatemovements in a GUI by simply touching the display screen via a finger.For example, a user may make a selection by pointing directly to agraphical object displayed on the display screen. Corresponding to anon-screen button for performing specific actions in the hand-heldelectronic device. In general, the touch screen recognizes the touch andposition of the touch on the display and a controller of the hand-heldelectronic device interprets the touch and thereafter performs an actionbased on the touch event. There are several types of touch screentechnologies including resistive, capacitive, infrared and surfaceacoustic wave.

A preferred touch screen for a multi-functional hand-held computer is amultipoint capacitive touch screen. Such a touch screen comprisesseveral independent and spatially distinct sensing points, nodes, orregions that are positioned throughout the touch screen. The sensingpoints are dispersed about the touch screen with each sensing pointrepresenting a different position on the surface of the touch screen.The sensing points may be positioned in a grid or a pixel array whereeach sensing point is capable of generating a signal. A signal isproduced each time an object is positioned over a sensing point. When anobject is placed over multiple sensing points or when the object ismoved between or over multiple sensing point, multiple signals can begenerated. The sensing points generally map the touch screen plane intoa coordinate system such as a Cartesian coordinate system or polarcoordinate system. One example of such a touch screen is disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, titled “Multipoint TouchScreen” filed on May 6, 2004.

B. Touch Sensitive Housing

A hand-held electronic device may also incorporate one or more include atouch sensitive surfaces of the device housing itself that provideeither a larger surface for tracking touch inputs or smaller dedicatedareas such as touch buttons for performing dedicated functions. Suchsurfaces may be located on any surface of the housing, any side of thehousing, any portion of any side of the housing or at dedicatedlocations on the surface of the housing. For example, the touch regionsmay be located on the sides or back surface of the housing, and may evenbe located at the bezel located at the front surface of the housing. Inall of these cases, a large portion of the front surface of the housingis saved for the display so that the viewing area of the hand-heldelectronic device can be maximized. The touch sensitive surfaces of thehousing may take the form of one or more touch panels that arepositioned within the housing. The touch sensitive surface may bealternatively or additionally be provided directly by the housing. Thatis, the touch sensing components may be integrated or incorporated intoor disposed underneath the housing such that the housing itself is thetouch sensing device (rather than using a separate touch panel).Similarly to a touch screen, a touch sensitive housing recognizes thetouch and position of a touch on the surface and a controller of thehand-held electronic device interprets the touch and thereafter performsan action based on the touch event. Touch surfaces are constructed inbasically the same manner as a touch screen, except the surfaces neednot be substantially transparent.

By way of example, the touch sensitive housing may generally correspondto the touch sensitive housing described in greater detail U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/115,539, titled “Hand-Held Electronic Devicewith Multiple Touch Sensing Devices,” filed Apr. 26, 2005.

C. Display Actuator

A hand-held multi-functional electronic device may also include adisplay actuator, which is an input device that mechanically uses thedisplay of the hand-held device to provide inputs into the device(rather than electrically as with a touch screen). The display actuatormay be used separately or in combination with the touch screen. Thedisplay actuator may include a movable display that causes one or moreinput signals to be generated when moved. The input signals then can beused to initiate commands, make selections, or control motion in adisplay.

The movable display may be configured to translate, slide, pivot, and/orrotate relative to the frame. The display is typically movable relativeto a frame or housing that movably supports the display in its variouspositions. In some cases, the display is movably coupled to the frame,and in other cases the frame movably restrains a floating display.

The input signals may be generated by movement indicator(s) that monitorthe movements of the display and produces signals indicative of suchmovements. The detection mechanism may, for example, one or moreswitches, sensors, encoders, and/or the like. Any suitable mechanical,electrical and/or optical switch, sensor or encoder may be used. Forexample, tact switches, force sensitive resistors, pressure sensors,proximity sensors, infrared sensors, mechanical or optical encodersand/or the like may be used. The movement indicators may be placedunderneath the display or at the sides of the display as appropriate.Alternatively or additionally, these movement indicators may be attachedto the display or some component of the display.

An exemplary display actuator is disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/057,050, titled “Display Actuator,” filed on Feb. 11, 2005.

D. Pressure or Force Sensing Devices

The multi-functional hand-held electronic device described above mayfurther include force or pressure sensing devices such as a forcesensing display or housing.

1. Force Sensitive Display

A force sensitive display causes one or more input signals to begenerated when pressure is exerted on the display screen of the device.The input signals can be used to initiate commands, make selections, orcontrol motion in a display. Such displays generally provide a slightamount of flex (unnoticeable to the user) so, that any forces exertedthereon can be measured by a force detection arrangement generallyprovided underneath the display. The force detection arrangementmonitors the forces exerted on the display and produces signalsindicative thereof. The force detection arrangement may include one ormore force sensors such as force sensitive resistors, force sensitivecapacitors, load cells, pressure plates, piezoelectric transducers,strain gauges, etc. The force sensors may be attached to the back of thedisplay or to a structural platform located within the housing of thedevice. When a force is applied to the display, it is transmittedthrough the display to the force sensor located underneath the display.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a hand-helddevice 300 incorporating a force sensitive display 302. The forcesensitive display 302 includes a display 308 and one or more forcesensors 310 disposed underneath the display 308 (between the display anda structural platform 306). In most cases, the force sensitive display302 includes a plurality of sensors 310 that are laid out in an array.For example, the sensors 310 may be positioned side by side in rows andcolumns. The force sensors 310 measure the amount of force being appliedto the display and when a desired force threshold is reached a controlsignal is generated. In some cases, an elastomer 312 is placed betweenthe display and the structural platform to help transmit the force beingexerted on the surface of the display to the force sensors disposedbelow the display.

Force sensing may be provided in conjunction with a touch screen todifferentiate between light and hard touches. The determination ofwhether a touch is a light touch or a hard touch may be made bymonitoring the force with the force sensors and comparing the force to apredetermined threshold. When the force threshold is not exceeded, thetouch is considered a light touch. When the force threshold is exceeded,the touch is considered a hard touch. Each type of touch may be used tocontrol different aspects of the device. Light touches may be associatedwith passive events such as navigation (e.g., cursor control scrolling,panning, zoom, rotation, etc.) and hard touches may be associated withactive events such as selections or commands (e.g., button click).

FIG. 20 illustrates an input device 320 that combines touch sensing andforce sensing devices to provide x, y and z components when touched. Thetouch sensing device provides position sensing in the x and ydirections, and the force sensing device provides force sensing in the zdirection. These devices cooperate to output x, y location and zpressure information whenever there is a touch on the touch surface.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of an I/O device 330 that combines adisplay 332 with touch screen 334 and a force sensing mechanism 336. Thetouch screen 334 provides high resolution touch locations, and the forcesensing mechanism 336 provides a measure of where the force is comingfrom as well the total force. Touch screen 334 is disposed over thedisplay 332, and the force sensing mechanism 336 is disposed below thedisplay 332 although other arrangements are possible.

Force sensing mechanism 336 may also be widely varied. In theillustrated embodiment, the force sensing mechanism 336 is based oncapacitance, and more particularly, self capacitance. The illustratedforce sensing mechanism 336 is formed from various layers including anelectrode layer 338, an elastomer layer 340 and a conductive layer 342.

Electrode layer 338 includes a plurality of spatially separatedelectrodes 339 that are positioned across the bottom of the display 332.Electrodes 339 are typically positioned in an array of rows and columnsalthough often configuring are possible. Any number of electrodes may beused.

Elastomer layer 340 includes one or more elastic members 341 positionedbetween the electrode layer 338 and the conductive layer 342. Elasticmembers 341 allow the display 332 to move inwardly with a limited amountof displacement. In one implementation, elastic members 441 are siliconepatches with a thickness of about 0.2 mm.

Conductive layer 342 typically takes the form of a grounded metal plate343. A capacitive circuit is formed between each of the electrodes 339and the grounded metal plate 343. When a user pushes down on the display332, the force being exerted thereon causes the display 332 to displaceinwardly against the elastic members 341 compressing the elasticmembers. This causes a change in the capacitance between the electrodes339 and the metal plate 343. This change in capacitance is sensed by acontrol circuit operatively coupled to each of the electrodes 339.Capacitance sensing circuits are disclosed in the various incorporatedreferences.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of an input device 350 that may bepositioned over a display. The input device 350 combines touch sensingand force sensing into a single device. In this embodiment, both thetouch sensing and force sensing is provided by mutual capacitance. Asshown, the input device 350 is formed from various layers including atop drive layer 352, a middle sense layer 354, and a bottom drive layer356. Furthermore, the middle sense layer 354 is positioned on anelastomer layer 358 disposed between the middle sense layer 354 and thebottom drive layer 356. The top and bottom drive layers 353 and 356include a plurality of spatially separated lines in rows and the middlesense layer 354 includes a plurality of spatially separated lines incolumns. The top and middle layers 352 and 354 therefore form a grid,and the bottom and middle layers 356 and 354 form a grid.

During operation, the lines on the top layer 352 are scanned, andthereafter the lines on the bottom layer 356 are scanned (or viceversa). When there is a touch, the mutual capacitance measured betweenthe top drive layer 352 and the middle sense layer 354 provide the x andy location of the touch. In addition, the mutual capacitance measuredbetween the bottom drive layer 356 and the middle sense layer 354provide the amount of force of the touch. This particular arrangementprovides a full image of force superimposed on a full image of touch.The input device including the touch layers and the force layers may beoperated similarly to the methods described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/840,862, titled “Multipoint Touch Screen,” filed on May 6,2004.

2. Force Sensitive Housing

The hand-held device may also include a force sensitive housing. Theforce sensitive housing provides inputs when forces are applied to thehousing of the hand-held device. A force sensitive housing is similar toa force sensitive screen in that. The housing provides a slight amountof flex (possibly unnoticeable to the user) so that any forces exertedthereon can be distributed to a force detection arrangement locatedwithin the housing. The force detection arrangement monitors the forceson the housing and produces signals indicative thereof. As with theforce sensitive display discussed above, the force detection mechanismmay include one or more force sensors disposed with in the housing suchas force sensitive resistors, force sensitive capacitors, load cells,pressure plates, piezoelectric transducers, strain gauges and/or thelike. When a force is applied to the housing (squeezing or pushing onthe housing), it is transmitted through the housing to the force sensorlocated within the housing.

The force sensitive portions of the housing may be located on anysurface of the housing, any side of the housing, any portion of any sideof the housing or at dedicated locations on the surface of the housing.The sides of the housing are ideal places for implementing a squeezefeature. This is because the users fingers are typically positioned onone side of the device and thumb on the other and therefore the hand mayeasily squeeze the sides via a pinching action. Because it is soconvenient to activate the squeeze feature, special care must be takenwhen designing the squeeze feature so that it will not be accidentallyactivate during normal use. Thus the device needs to be able todifferentiate between light and hard squeezes. If the squeeze feature isimplemented using force sensitive resistors (FSRs) which exhibit, adecrease in resistance with an increase in force applied to the activesurface a comparator circuit can be used to output a signal to indicateactivation when a preset force threshold is reached.

FIG. 23 is a side view, in cross section, of a hand-held device 370 thatincorporates a squeeze feature. As shown, the device 370 includes ahousing 372 and a support platform 374 inside the housing 372. Betweenthe support platform 374 and the inner surface of the housing 372 are apair of force sensors 376. When a force is applied to the housing 372 asfor example by the pinching nature of the hand, the housing 372 flexesinwardly under the pressure. This causes the force sensors 376 to besandwiched between the housing 372 and the support platform 374. Theforce sensors 376 measure the amount of force being exerted and when adesired force threshold is reached, the force sensors 376 generate acontrol signal. For example, as a result of being sandwiched, a forceresistive sensor may exhibit a reduced resistance and when a desiredthreshold is reached, a control signal is generated.

The force sensitive housing may be is provided in conjunction with atouch sensitive housing as discussed above.

E. Motion Actuated Input Device

The hand-held electronic device may also include a motion actuated inputdevice. The motion actuated input device provides inputs when thehand-held device is in motion or is placed in a certain orientation. Amotion actuated input device typically includes a motion sensor, such asan accelerometer, that monitors the motion of the device along the x, y,and/or z axis and produces signals indicative thereof. The motion sensormay, for example, include an accelerometer. Alternatively, the motionsensor could be an orientation sensor, such as an electronic compass,that allows the device to determine its orientation in a generallyhorizontal plane. The motion sensors may be attached to the housing orto some other structural component located within the housing of thedevice. When motion is applied to the device (gesturing, shaking, handwaving, etc.), it is transmitted through the housing to the motionsensor.

Because motion sensors typically measure all motion, not just intendedmotion, the intended motion information typically must be separated fromthe other motion information to produce an accurate command signal. Forexample, large scale movements such as shaking the device will produceprimarily low frequency information. Conversely, small scale movements,such as vibrations, primarily produce high frequency information. Thehigh frequency information can be filtered out thereby leaving only lowfrequency information indicative of the large scale movements (e.g.,shaking). The filtered information can then be converted into a controlsignal.

FIG. 24 is a side view, in cross section, of a hand-held electronicdevice 380. The hand-held device 380 includes an accelerometer 382 thatis attached to a housing 384 of the hand-held device 380. When thedevice 380 is moved about by the user, the accelerometer 382 recognizesthe motion and a controller of the hand-held electronic device 380interprets the motion and thereafter performs an action based on themotion event.

F. Mechanical Actuators

While one would like to eliminate all surface mounted actuators such asbuttons and wheels, it is sometimes impractical. Therefore the hand-helddevice may include some number of surface mounted actuators. Preferably,these actuators are generic to each of the integrated devices. That is,their meaning is the same regardless of what device functionality isactivated. It is also preferred that the surface mounted actuators beplaced on surfaces other than the front surface, which houses theviewing region of the display, although this is not required.

One particularly useful mechanical actuator is a hold switch. The holdswitch may be configured to activate and deactivate the primary inputmeans, e.g., the touch screen. This permits a user to prevent unwantedentries, for example, when the device is stored inside a user's pocket.In one implementation, the hold switch may be placed on the top surfaceout of the way of the grasping hand, but in a position for easy access(as opposed to the bottom surface). The hold switch can not onlydeactivate the touch screen but also mechanical actuators and otherinput and other input devices.

Another particularly useful mechanical actuator is a power switch. Whenthe power switch is turned on, the device is powered up and ready to go.When the power switch is turned off, the device is shut down. In oneimplementation, the power switch may be placed on the top surface out ofthe way of the grasping hand, but in a position for easy access (asopposed to the bottom surface).

Another useful mechanical actuator is a navigation pad. The navigationpad is typically included with many hand-held devices. The functionalityof the navigation pad may be changed according to the current operatingmode of the device. In the case of a music player, for example, thedirectional keys may be assigned, play/pause, next, previous, and volumeup and down. Other assignable buttons may also be included on thedevice.

Still another useful mechanical actuator is a switching actuator. Theswitching actuator may be configured to change the functionality of thedevice, i.e., by activating the switching actuator the functionality orstate of the device switches from one mode to another. The switchingactuator may be widely varied.

For example, the switching actuator may be a dial or wheel. Byincrementally rotating the wheel, the device is incrementally switchedfrom one device to the other (generally in some predetermined order). Afull rotation of each device generally cycles through the entire groupof integrated devices. The wheel or dial may for example operate like ascroll wheel. Although the placement may be widely varied, the switchingwheel may be placed in the upper region of the sides of the device. Byplacing the wheel here, a users thumb may be used to easily rotate thewheel. For example, the users thumb may be extended from the graspingaction so that the wheel can be rotated.

Alternatively, the switching actuator may be a button. By repetitivelypressing on the button, the device is switched from one device toanother (generally in some predetermined order). Although the placementmay be widely varied, the switching button may be placed in the upperregion of the sides of the device. By placing the button here, a usersthumb or index finger may be used to easily press the button.

The hand-held device may also include any commercially available touchpad. Several examples of touch pads may be found in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/188,182, titled “Touch Pad for Handheld Device,”filed on Jul. 1, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/722,948,titled “Touch Pad for Handheld Device,” filed on Nov. 25, 2003, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/643,256, titled “Movable Touch Pad withAdded Functionality,” filed on Aug. 18, 2003.

In another embodiment, the hand-held device may include a scroll wheel.Scroll wheels can be used in each functionality to scroll through awindow.

G. Microphone

The hand-held device may also include a microphone that picks-up audiosounds. The microphone may be used in conjunction with a cell phone totransmit sounds, such as the user's voice. The microphone may also beused to record sounds or enter voice commands into the hand-held device.For example, using voice recognition software, the hand-held device maybe able to recognize voice commands and generated control signalsassociated therewith. The microphone may be placed in the bottom surfaceof the hand-held device or possible in the front lower bezel. Thisparticular configuration is well suited for picking up a user's voiceduring a phone call.

H. Image Sensor

A hand-held electronic device may also include an image sensor and lensrelated components so that the hand-held device can operate like acamera. The image sensor may, for example, include a charge coupleddevice (CCD) camera.

I. Input Device Functionality

1. Touch Gestures

A hand-held electronic device may be designed to recognize touchgestures applied to a touch screen and/or touch sensitive surface of thehousing and thereby control aspects of the hand-held electronic device.Gestures are a stylized interaction with an input device that is mappedto one or more specific computing operations. The gestures may be madethrough various hand and finger motions. Gestures generally comprise acontact chord e.g., one or more fingers, and a motion associated withthe chord. Alternatively or additionally, the gestures may be made witha stylus. In all of these cases, the input device i.e., touch screenand/or touch sensitive surface) receive the gestures and a controller ofthe hand-held electronic device executes instructions to carry outoperations associated with the gestures. The hand-held electronic devicemay include a touch gesture operational program, which may be part ofthe operating system or a separate application. The gesture operationprogram generally includes a set of instructions that recognizes theoccurrence of gestures and informs one or more software agents of thegestures and/or what action(s) to take in response to the gestures. Forexample, gestures that can be used are disclosed in greater detail inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,964, titled “Gestures for TouchSensitive Input Devices,” filed on Jul. 30, 2004, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/038,590, titled “Mode-Based Graphical UserInterfaces for Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed on Jan. 18, 2005.

2. 3-D Spatial Gestures

In accordance with one embodiment, the hand-held electronic device maybe designed to recognize 3-D spatial gestures measured by anaccelerometer and to control aspects of the hand-held electronic devicebased on the 3-D spatial gestures. Spatial gestures are stylized motionsof the device itself that are mapped to one or more specific computingoperations. The 3-D spatial gestures may be made through various handand arm motions, such as for example shaking, waving and the like. Theaccelerometer measures the motion related to the 3-D spatial gesturesand a controller recognizes the motion as a 3-D spatial gesture andthereafter executes instructions to carry out operations associated withthe 3-D spatial gestures. The hand-held electronic device may include a3-D spatial gesture operational program, which may be part of theoperating system or a separate application. The gesture operationprogram generally includes a set of instructions that recognizes theoccurrence of gestures and informs one or more software agents of thegestures and/or what action(s) to take in response to the gestures.

One exemplary 3-D gesture is shaking the device. Shaking can cause thehand-held device causes the device to shift between modes or states.Alternatively, shaking the hand-held device can cause a selection eventto occur. For example, in the case of a media player, shaking the devicemay cause the device to randomly select a picture or song in group ofpictures or songs. Alternatively, shaking the device may cause thedevice to select the next picture or song in a sequence of songs.

Other gestures may include translating or rotating the device.Translating the hand-held device (while it is face up) from side to sidemay be used to initiate panning or scrolling in the device, or movingthe device up and down (while it is face up) may be used to initiatezooming. Rotating the device may be used to cause the device to changemodes or states. In some cases, for example, the orientation of thedevice may correspond to a particular mode. For example, a first modemay be associated with 0 degrees, a second mode may be associated with90 degrees, a third mode may be associated with 180 degrees and a fourthmode may be associated with 270 degrees. In all these cases, the devicecan be configured to keep the displayed portion upright as the device isturned. That is, it maintains an upright image no matter whatorientation the device is in.

The 3-D spatial gestures may even be based on more complex motions suchas sign language, writing motions, etc.

3. Perform Action Based on Multiple Inputs

Because the device may have multiple input modes, the hand-held devicemay be configured to receive simultaneous inputs from different inputsdevices, and perform actions based on the multiple simultaneous inputs.The inputs that may be combined to produce new commands may be selectedfrom voice, 2-D touch gestures, 3-D spatial gestures, actuators, etc.For example, this feature may be helpful when making calls via voiceselection. A caller may verbalize “TOM,” which causes the device to dial“TOM” phone number. If “TOM” has multiple phone numbers, a user maycombine the verbal command “TOM” with a 3-D spatial gesture such asshaking to select Tom's second phone number. Various other possibilitieswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

4. Differentiating Between Light and Hard Touches

As noted above, force sensing in conjunction with touch sensingfacilitates two distinct types of interactions, light touches and hardtouches. Light touches may be used to perform passive actions such asnavigating through content and content manipulation generally withoutcausing a major event to occur. Examples of passive events includemoving a cursor, scrolling, panning, etc. Hard touch interactions may beused to select on screen buttons or initiate commands (e.g., causes asignificant change to occur).

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a touch method 400 for implementing thistechnique. The method 400 begins at block 402 where one or more touchesare detected. The touches include not only x any y components but also zcomponents. The x and y components may be supplied by a touch sensingdevice such as touch screen, touch pad, or touch housing. The zcomponent may be provided by force sensors or display actuators locatedbehind the touch surface of the touch sensing device.

Following block 402, the method proceeds to block 404 where adetermination is made as to whether the touch is a light or hard touch.The determination is generally based on the force or pressure of thetouch (z component). For example, if the force of the touch is smallerthan a predetermined threshold then the touch is considered a lighttouch and if the force of the touch is larger than the predeterminedthreshold then the touch is considered a hard touch. If it is determinedthat the touch is a light touch, the method proceeds to block 406 wherea passive action associated with the touch is initiated. If it isdetermined that the touch is hard touch, an active action associatedwith the touch is performed (block 408).

The touch method may additionally include a block where the one or moretouches are classified as a primary touch or a secondary touch. Primarytouches are touches that are intended to cause an action while secondarytouches are touches that are not intended to cause an action. Gesturesare examples of primary touches while a thumb positioned over the toucharea to hold the device is an example of a secondary touch. Once thetouches are classified as primary or secondary, the secondary touchesare filtered out, and the determination of whether a touch is a light orhard touch is made with the primary touches.

5. Example of a New Touch Vocabulary

The z pressure exerted on a touch sensing device can be combined withthe x and y locations of the touch to form a new touch vocabulary. Asshould be appreciated, up to this point touch vocabularies have onlyincluded x and y locations, not z pressure. A proposed touch vocabularyincludes variety of variables including the UI mode, the force of thetouch (e.g., light or hard), the number of fingers used, whether or notthere is any movement during the touch, the duration of the touch, andthe touch location, all or some of which can be combined to form avariety of behaviors and user feedback.

The UI mode is generally related to the mode or state of the device.Each device includes a variety of states and each state may require adifferent UI mode. A media player (a mode) may, for example, include aset of hierarchal layers (states) with each layer requiring a differentUI.

As noted above, the force of the touch may, for example, be described aslight or hard. A light touch may occur when a user lightly touches thesurface of the touch surface, i.e., the finger hovers on top of thesurface and is primarily moved in the x and y directions. A hard touchmay occur when a user presses on the touch surface with a certain amountof force, i.e., the finger is primarily moved in the z direction againstthe touch surface.

Motion during the touch is used to describe whether the finger hasremained stationary during a touch event or has substantially moved inthe X-Y plane (e.g., translation, rotation, etc.). The motion may bedescribed as none at all or a swipe or twist in some particulardirection. By way of example, the swipe may be up, down, right, left, orsome combination thereof, and the twist may be clockwise orcounterclockwise.

Duration is defined as the amount of time the finger stays at any onepoint. Duration may be variable or it may include states such as shortand long. The touch location may be a random point or a specificlocation such as an onscreen button.

FIG. 26 is an additional touch method 500 implementing this technique.The method begins at block 502 when one or more touches are detected.Thereafter, in block 504, the UI mode is determined. In block 506, adetermination is made as to whether the touches are light touches orhard touches. Alternatively, blocks 502 and 504 could be reversed,effectively resulting in an instance of the touch method for each mode.In block 508, the number of distinct touches (e.g., fingers) isdetermined. In block 510, a determination is made as to whether thetouches are stationary or in motion. In block 512, the duration of thetouches is determined. In block 514, the locations of the touches aredetermined. Following blocks 502-514, the method proceeds to block 516where an action is performed based on the UI mode, the pressure of thetouch, the number of touches, whether or not the touch is moving, theduration of the touch, and the touch location. The actions may bepassive or active depending on the values of each characteristic.

One example of a touch vocabulary associated with a music player isshown in FIGS. 27A-E.

V. Output Devices

A. Display

The principle output of a hand-held electronic device is typically adisplay. The display provides visual information in the form of text,characters or graphics. The display is usually a flat panel devicealthough other types of displays may be used. The display may be aliquid crystal display (LCD) such as a character LCD that is capable ofpresenting text and symbols or a graphical LCD that is capable ofpresenting images, video, and graphical user interfaces (GUI).Alternatively, the display may correspond to a display based on organiclight emitting diodes (OLED), or a display that is based on electronicinks.

Preferably, the display may be configured to substantially fill thefront surface of the housing. The display may extend from one edge ofthe housing to the opposite edge of the housing, the housing may includea small bezel that surrounds the edges of the display. In either case,the display makes up a substantial portion of the front surface of thehand-held electronic device, thereby eliminating any space for buttonsor switches associated with a conventional user interface.

As mentioned above, besides outputting visual information, the displaymay also act like an input device. For example, a touch screen may bepositioned over the display, and/or sensors may be disposed underneaththe display to sense when the device is pressed or otherwise moved. Inmost cases, the small form factor of hand-held devices requires centralplacement of the input interfaces to permit operation while beingcarried around and used by the hand. The display region provides acentral location, which can be accessed by both the left and righthands.

The display region may be formed by more than one display. For example,the display region may be formed by a pair of displays that are side byside or one on top of the other. A first display may be used to presentthe standard screen and a second display may be used to present thecontrol screen as described above with reference to FIGS. 5-8.Furthermore, a first display may be a conventional display while thesecond display may be a display actuator. Moreover, a first display maycomprise of a first type and a second display may be of a second type.For example, the first display may be an LCD while the second displaymay be a display based on electronic inks.

The decision to use different types may be based on the fact that one ofthe displays may be dedicated to a standard viewing area while anothermay be dedicated to a control area. Because these two areas requiredifferent resolutions, a higher resolution screen may be used in thestandard area while a lower resolution screen may be used in the controlarea. Alternatively or additionally, one of the displays may be selectedto reduce battery consumption especially in the control area where lowerresolution is acceptable. In some cases, although two different displaysare used, the images displayed thereon may be combined to form a singleunified image.

B. Speaker

A hand-held device may also include a speaker. Speakers are componentsthat accept electronic signals representing audio information from anamplifier and converts them into sound waves. The speakers may be usedto listen to music in conjunction with a music player functionality orto listen to an incoming call in conjunction with a cell phonefunctionality. The speaker may be placed on the top surface or possibleon the front top bezel of the hand-held device. This arrangement worksparticularly well when the device is used as a cell phone.

C. Indicator (LED)

A hand-held device may also include one or more indicators that provideuser feedback or indicate events associated with the device. The eventsmay relate to signals, conditions or status of the device. For example,the indicators provide status of battery life or alert a user when thereis an incoming call. The indicators, which include light sources such aslight emitting diodes (LED), are typically illuminated when an eventoccurs, and not illuminated when the event is stopped. Furthermore, theindicator may turn on and off (blink) or cycle with increasing ordecreasing intensity, and in some cases may even change colors in orderto provide more detailed information about the event that is beingmonitored.

The indicators may be conventional indicators that typically include asmall clear plastic insert, which is located in front of the LED, andwhich is inserted within an opening in the housing thus causing it toexist at the surface of the housing. The LED itself may also be placedin the opening in the housing rather than using an insert.Alternatively, the indicator can be configured not to break the surfaceof the housing. In this configuration, the light source is disposedentirely inside the housing, and is configured to illuminate a portionof the housing thereby causing the housing to change its appearance,i.e., change its color.

D. Audio/Tactile Feedback Devices

The hand-held device may include speakers or buzzers to give audiofeedback to the user. These may work similarly to the indicatorsdescribed above, or they may be used to enhance the feel of actuating aGUI element such as a soft button or scroll wheel. For example, thespeaker may be configured to output a “clicking” noise when a userpresses on a virtual button, or rotates a virtual scroll wheel. Thisparticular feature enhances the user experience and makes the virtual UIfeel more like a physical UI.

The hand-held device may also include a haptics mechanism. Haptics isthe science of applying tactile sensation and control to interactionwith computer applications. Haptics essentially allows a user to feelinformation, i.e., signals are sent to the hand. The haptics mechanismsmay be widely varied. They may include motors, vibrators,electromagnets, etc., all of which are capable of providing forcefeedback in the form of vibration or shaking. The haptics mechanisms maywork similarly to the indicators described above (alert), or they may beused to enhance the feel of actuating a GUI element such as a softbutton or scroll wheel. For example, the haptics mechanism may beconfigured to vibrate when a user presses on a virtual button, orrotates a virtual scroll wheel. This particular feature enhances theusers experience and makes the virtual UI feel more like a physical UI.Haptics may also be used simultaneously with onscreen actions. Forexample, during movies or game playing, the haptics mechanism cansimulate the action being displayed. For example, the haptics mechanismmay provide force feedback in the form of vibration when a car explodesduring a movie or game.

In cases where haptics is used to enhance the feel of actuating a GUIelement, such as a soft button or scroll wheel, the haptics mechanismmay be located in the region of the display and further underneath thedisplay so as to provide force feedback directly underneath the useraction. In fact, multiple haptics mechanisms may be used regionallyacross the display to further enhance the feel. It is generally believedthat the closer the vibration is to the user action, the greater thehaptics effect. In one implementation, the haptics mechanisms are spacedout in an array underneath the display. That is, they are spatiallyseparated and placed at different locations. By way of example, they maybe positioned in a 2×2, 2×4, 4×4, 4×8, 8×8 array and so on underneaththe display.

Audio and/or tactile feedback may be used to alert a user that a userinput has been made. For example, in response to touching a virtualbutton on the GUI, the haptics may provide force feedback in the form ofvibration and the speaker may provide audio feedback in the form of aclick. The tactile audio feedback can be used in conjunction with aninput event including touch events, motion events, squeeze events. Thefeedback may provide information so that the user knows that theyactually implemented an input (simulates the audio and tactile feel of abutton or switch). In one implementation, the feedback is tied to thelevel of force being applied to the force sensing devices. For example,when a certain force threshold is reached, the audio feedback device maycreate a “click” on the press and a “clock” on the release. The forcethreshold used may be similar to the threshold used to determine whethera touch is a light or hard touch. The “click” and “clock” may be used tosimulate a button click when a hard touch is made.

VI. Communication Devices

A. Wired

The hand-held device may also include one or more connectors forreceiving and transmitting data to and from the device. By way ofexample, the device may include one or more audio jacks, video jacks,data ports, docking ports, etc. The hand-held device may also includeone or more connectors for receiving and transmitting power to and fromthe hand-held device.

The hand-held device may include a headphone/microphone jack and a dataport. The jack is capable of receiving a speaker and/or microphone plugso that audio may be input to and output from the device. The data portis capable of receiving a data plug/cable assembly configured fortransmitting and receiving data to and from a host device, such as ageneral purpose computer (e.g., desktop computer, portable computer).For example, the data port may be used to upload or download data to andfrom the hand-held device. Such data may include songs and play lists,audio books, e-books, photos, address books, documents, appointments,etc. into the hand-held device. The data port may be a PS/2 port, serialport, parallel port, network interface port, USB port, Firewire portetc. The hand-held device may also include a power port that receives apower plug/cable assembly configured for delivering powering to thehand-held device. In some cases, the data port may serve as both a dataand power port by employing either standard or proprietary connectors.

B. Wireless

To send and receive data wirelessly, the device generally requires atransmitter, a receiver (or a transceiver) and some sort of antenna. Thewireless communication link may correspond to Bluetooth, WiFi (802.11),IR (infrared), etc. The antenna may be fully contained within the deviceor they may extend outside the device. The antenna may take a variety offorms depending on the frequency to be used, etc. For example be arugged rubber duck that consists of a coiled up element encased inrubber. Alternatively, the antenna may be printed on a circuit boardwithin the device.

The hand-held device may also include a radio transceiver forcommunications via a cellular network or a GPS receiver.

C. Change UI Based on Received Communication Signals

A hand-held electronic device may be configured to actively look forsignals in the surrounding environment, and change its mode based on thesignal. That is, the device tries to match the mode with the signal. Ifthe device receives a phone signal over the cellular network, the devicemay turn into a phone, i.e., the phone mode is activated or broughtforward relative to the other modes. If a device receives an email, thedevice may turn into an email terminal. As another example, when a userwalks into a home theater room, the device may sense signals from themedia control unit and turn itself into a remote control includingfunctionality to control the various devices of the home theater (TV,amp, DVD, lighting). In other cases, the device may sense signals, whichare being broadcast in physical stores, and turn itself into a devicethat is well suited for that store. For example, in a bank, the devicemay change into a calculator or bring a money program into view, or in agrocery store, the device may turn into a money payment device or bringa grocery list into view.

VII. Other Components of Hand-held Device

The hand held device may additionally include one or more of thefollowing hardware components: a controller (e.g., microprocessor, DSP,A/D, D/A, converters, codes), memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, solid state(flash), hard disk (micro-drive)), storage (SD card slots, mini-DVD),battery (e.g., lithium ion), etc.

VIII. Overall Block Diagram

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of an exemplary hand-held device 600. Thehand-held device 600 typically includes a controller 602 (e.g., CPU)configured to execute instructions and to carry out operationsassociated with the hand-held device. For example, using instructionsretrieved for example from memory, the controller 602 may control thereception and manipulation of input and output data between componentsof the hand-held device 600. The controller 602 can be implemented on asingle chip, multiple chips or multiple electrical components. Forexample, various architectures can be used for the controller 602,including dedicated or embedded processor, single purpose processor,controller, ASIC, etc. By way of example, the controller may includemicroprocessors, DSP, A/D converters, D/A converters, compression,decompression, etc.

In most cases, the controller 602 together with an operating systemoperates to execute computer code and produce and use data. Theoperating system may correspond to well known operating systems such asOS/2, DOS, Unix, Linux, and Palm OS, or alternatively to special purposeoperating system, such as those used for limited purpose appliance-typedevices. The operating system, other computer code and data may residewithin a memory block 604 that is operatively coupled to the controller602. Memory block 604 generally provides a place to store computer codeand data that are used by the hand-held device. By way of example, thememory block 604 may include read-only memory (ROM), random-accessmemory (RAM), hard disk drive (e.g., a micro drive), flash memory, etc.In conjunction with the memory block 604, the hand-held device mayinclude a removable storage device such as an optical disc player thatreceives and plays DVDs, or card slots for receiving mediums such asmemory cards (or memory sticks). Because the form factor of thehand-held device is small, the optical drive may only be configured formini DVDs.

The hand-held device 600 also includes various input devices 606 thatare operatively coupled to the controller 602. The input devices 606 areconfigured to transfer data from the outside world into the hand-helddevice 600. As shown, the input devices 606 may correspond to both dataentry mechanisms and data capture mechanisms. In particular, the inputdevices 606 may include touch sensing devices 608 such as touch screens,touch pads and touch sensing surfaces, mechanical actuators 610 such asbutton or wheels or hold switches (611), motion sensing devices 612 suchas accelerometers, force sensing devices 614 such as force sensitivedisplays and housings, image sensors 616, and microphones 618. The inputdevices 606 may also include a clickable display actuator 619.

The hand-held device 600 also includes various output devices 620 thatare operatively coupled to the controller 602. The output devices 620are configured to transfer data from the hand-held device 600 to theoutside world. The output devices 620 may include a display 622 such asan LCD, speakers or jacks 624, audio/tactile feedback devices 626, lightindicators 628, and the like

The hand-held device 600 also includes various communication devices 630that are operatively coupled to the controller 602. The communicationdevices 630 may, for example, include both wired and wirelessconnectivity selected from I/O ports 632 such as IR, USB, or Firewireports, GPS receiver 634, and a radio receiver 636.

The hand-held device 600 also includes a battery 650 and possibly acharging system 652. The battery may be charged through a transformerand power cord or through a host device or through a docking station. Inthe cases of the docking station, the charging may be transmittedthrough electrical ports or possibly through an inductance chargingmeans that does not require a physical electrical connection to be made.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of theinvention described above can be used alone or in various combinations.The methods of this invention can be implemented by software, hardwareor a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also beembodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. Thecomputer readable medium is any data storage device that can store datawhich can thereafter be read by a computer system, including bothtransfer and non-transfer devices as defined above. Examples of thecomputer readable medium include read-only memory, random access memory,CD-ROMs, flash memory cards, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storagedevices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld computing device, comprising: adisplay; a plurality of touch sensors co-located with the display andconfigured for making at least a portion of the display touch-sensitive;and a processor communicatively coupled to the display and the pluralityof touch sensors, the processor configured for in response to receivingone or more first touch signals from one or more of the plurality oftouch sensors, causing a control region to appear on a side of thedisplay, and in response to receiving one or more second touch signalsfrom one or more of the plurality of touch sensors located in thecontrol region, initiating an operation in the handheld computingdevice.
 2. The handheld computing device of claim 1, the processorfurther configured for causing the control region to selectively appearand disappear.
 3. The handheld computing device of claim 1, theprocessor further configured for overlaying the control region over astandard region of the display.
 4. The handheld computing device ofclaim 1, the processor further configured for: in response to detectingthe one or more first touch signals from one or more of the plurality oftouch sensors located at an edge of the display indicative of movementof an object originating at the edge of the display, causing the controlregion to appear on the side of the display.
 5. The handheld computingdevice of claim 4, the processor further configured for: in response todetecting a series of one or more first touch signals from one or moreof the plurality of touch sensors located at the edge of the displayindicative of repeated movement of the object originating at the edge ofthe display, causing a series of different control regions to appear onthe side of the display.
 6. The handheld computing device of claim 1,the processor further configured for: based on a user handednessdetermination, causing the control regions to appear on a particularside of the display.
 7. The handheld computing device of claim 1, theprocessor further configured for: in response to receiving one or moresecond touch signals from one or more of the plurality of touch sensorslocated in the control region indicative of movement of an object acrossthe control region, navigating the control region.
 8. The handheldcomputing device of claim 7, wherein navigating the control regioncomprises scrolling through the control region.
 9. The handheldcomputing device of claim 1, the processor further configured forcausing virtual user interface elements to appear in the control region.10. The handheld computing device of claim 9, the processor furtherconfigured for: in response to receiving one or more third touch signalsfrom one or more of the plurality of touch sensors located near avirtual user interface element, initiating an application associatedwith the virtual user interface element.
 11. A method comprising: at ahandheld computing device in communication with a display and aplurality of touch sensors co-located with the display and configuredfor making at least a portion of the display touch-sensitive: inresponse to receiving one or more first touch signals from one or moreof the plurality of touch sensors, causing a control region to appear ona side of the display, and in response to receiving one or more secondtouch signals from one or more of the plurality of touch sensors locatedin the control region, initiating an operation in the handheld computingdevice.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising causing thecontrol region to selectively appear and disappear.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising overlaying the control region over astandard region of the display.
 14. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: in response to detecting the one or more first touch signalsfrom one or more of the plurality of touch sensors located at an edge ofthe display indicative of movement of an object originating at the edgeof the display, causing the control region to appear on the side of thedisplay.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: in response todetecting a series of one or more first touch signals from one or moreof the plurality of touch sensors located at the edge of the displayindicative of repeated movement of the object originating at the edge ofthe display, causing a series of different control regions to appear onthe side of the display.
 16. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium storing program code for providing a touch-sensitive userinterface on a handheld computing device in communication with a displayco-located with a plurality of touch sensors, the program code forperforming a method comprising: in response to receiving one or morefirst touch signals from one or more of the plurality of touch sensors,causing a control region to appear on a side of the display, and inresponse to receiving one or more second touch signals from one or moreof the plurality of touch sensors located in the control region,initiating an operation in the handheld computing device.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 16, the methodfurther comprising causing the control region to selectively appear anddisappear.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 16, the method further comprising overlaying the control regionover a standard region of the display.
 19. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 16, the method further comprising: inresponse to detecting the one or more first touch signals from one ormore of the plurality of touch sensors located at an edge of the displayindicative of movement of an object originating at the edge of thedisplay, causing the control region to appear on the side of thedisplay.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium ofclaim 19, the method further comprising: in response to detecting aseries of one or more first touch signals from one or more of theplurality of touch sensors located at the edge of the display indicativeof repeated movement of the object originating at the edge of thedisplay, causing a series of different control regions to appear on theside of the display.